Johnson Charles to replace the injured Darren Bravo for West Indies at the World Cup

Johnson Charles

West Indies have finally named a replacement for injured batsman Darren Bravo for the World Cup. Johnson Charles has been chosen to replace Bravo in the squad. Bravo picked up a hamstring injury, which ruled him out of the World Cup, in Christchurch during his side’s win over Pakistan.

The replacement, Charles, is a top-order batsman, who has scored 869 runs in the 30 One-Day Internationals (ODI) that he has featured in for the two-time World Cup winners. He has also smashed two centuries and half-centuries for the West Indians.

However, his return is looked upon with disapproval in some quarters as he made his last ODI appearance more than a year ago – in January 2014 – against hosts New Zealand in Hamilton.

The change has been approved by the ICC’s Event Technical Committee as is required for any team to do so in the case of a replacement due to injury or illness. A diagnosis from a medical practitioner is also sent along with a written submission to the Committee which includes the extent of the injury/illness.

Even if Darren Bravo makes a miraculous recovery, it is highly unlikely that he will be able to return to the World Cup as rules state that a player who has been replaced can not return to the squad unless he replaces another ill or injured player.

It is expected that Charles will be available for selection for West Indies’ next match. They face defending champions India on 6^th March.